Scientists found dense skate egg-case nurseries on deep-sea volcanic seamounts about 1,500 to nearly 1,600 metres below the Pacific surface. Pacific white skates dominate the documented aggregations, and Arctic skates also reproduce there. Estimates of the number of eggs vary by source, so there is no single confirmed census.
The findings come from deep-sea exploration south of Haida Gwaii. The seamounts’ volcanic setting and geothermal activity may help explain why skates gather there, but researchers have not established one definitive cause.
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What did scientists find?
The NorthEast Pacific Deep-sea Exploration Project (NEPDEP) describes dense skate nurseries on deep-sea volcanic summits. Researchers have observed Pacific white skates (Bathyraja spinosissima) and Arctic skates (Amblyraja hyperborea) reproducing at these sites.
According to NEPDEP, Pacific white skate egg cases are roughly twice as large as Arctic skate cases, and outnumber them by about four to one in the nurseries it describes. Those comparisons are specific to the reported sites; they should not be treated as universal ratios for every population.
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| Species | Role in the reported nurseries | Egg-case comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Pacific white skate | Dominant species in the aggregations described by NEPDEP | Cases are roughly twice as large as Arctic skate cases; about four times as numerous at these sites |
| Arctic skate | Also reproduces at the sites | Cases are smaller and less numerous in NEPDEP’s site-specific comparison |
How many skate eggs did scientists find?
Published estimates differ and should remain attributed. Canadian Geographic describes an early back-of-the-envelope estimate of up to five million eggs. A 2025 USA TODAY report attributes an estimate of 2.6 million eggs for the main nursery to lead researcher Cherisse Du Preez. Neither figure is a confirmed count of every egg.
The different totals reflect reported estimates, not a single definitive census. The research desk did not locate a primary scientific publication or final government report independently validating the total. Treat the numbers as estimates associated with the nursery, not exact counts.
Why are skate eggs near an underwater volcano?
NEPDEP says egg cases concentrate around shallow seamount summits and areas of geothermal activity. The project proposes that warm seafloor, diffuse hydrothermal flow, currents, and the volcanic setting may combine to create favorable conditions for developing embryos. This is a plausible explanation, not proof that any one factor causes the aggregation.
NEPDEP also reports rare observations of female Pacific white skates arriving with egg cases, hovering over warm vent openings, and repeatedly interacting with the seafloor. These observations may help researchers investigate habitat selection, but they do not reveal precisely how the animals choose where to lay eggs.
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How long do the eggs take to incubate?
A 2025 USA TODAY report says Pacific white skate egg cases may take up to 10 years to incubate, attributing that estimate to Du Preez. It is a reported estimate, not a duration established for every egg case or species at the sites.
Why does the discovery matter for conservation?
Canadian Geographic describes the seamount location as a prime fishing area and quotes researcher Du Preez saying, “It’s totally unique and clearly needs protection.” The nursery’s presence in a fishing area makes the findings relevant to conservation discussions, where strong scientific evidence may be needed to support protection from fishing.
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The cited reporting does not establish that a protection measure has been adopted. The discovery documents an important reproductive habitat and gives researchers and decision-makers information to consider when discussing the area’s future.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Frequently Asked Questions
What are the egg cases?
They are skate egg cases, not eggs from an unknown giant animal. NEPDEP identifies Pacific white skates as the dominant species in the described nurseries and Arctic skates as also reproducing there.
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How many skate eggs did scientists find?
Reported estimates vary. Canadian Geographic describes an early estimate of up to five million, while a 2025 USA TODAY report attributes a 2.6 million estimate for the main nursery to researcher Cherisse Du Preez. Neither is a direct count of every egg.
Why are the egg cases near an underwater volcano?
NEPDEP proposes that shallow summits, geothermal activity, warm seafloor, hydrothermal flow, and currents may combine to make favorable habitat. The precise cause of the aggregations remains uncertain.
Which skate species use the nurseries?
NEPDEP identifies Pacific white skates as dominant and Arctic skates as also reproducing at the sites. Its reported egg-case size and abundance comparisons apply to these nurseries, not necessarily to all populations.
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